Sign the petition at Cop's Towing: 10 to 5 on December 20 & 21 and December 27 & 28.
*The above AI rendering shows the demolition of the historic 1920 Banks Union High School building slated for January 2026. Demolition is not yet underway as of December 2025.
Table of Contents
- FAQs
- How to Sign the Petition
- Join the Petition Drive
FAQs
Is there something wrong with the building?
NO. There is no reason the building cannot be brought up to current regulations for any civic building safety levels outside of school usage. It could even be a revenue-generating property for the school district and thereby benefit the entire Banks community.
Will this take money from the kids?
NO. Any cost that the school district may incur will be from their bond money, which is a separate budget from the funding they receive for students.
Will this cost the school district money?
The school district will be forced to reconsider spending over $2 million on unnecessary new district offices since the current offices would not be demolished. The full impact of a vote on the school bond plans is not yet known. At a minimum, it would require pausing current construction plans, diverting funds to the special election, and incurring re-engineering costs (if a vote goes against demolition). Any further funds taken from the taxpayers will only occur if the taxpayers vote to increase their own taxes.
How to Sign the Petition
What is the petition exactly?
This petition is to request a district-wide vote on what happens to taxpayer-funded school district property. If successful, there will be a special election to determine the fate of the Banks Union High School.
What is the full text of the petition?
Ballot Title: The Banks School District Property Regulation Initiative Shall the Banks School District be prohibited from the demolition, decommission, or removal of Banks School District property? Summary: This initiative seeks to prohibit the Banks School District’s independent ability to make determinations on the demolition, decommissioning, or removal of Banks School District Property. Under the proposed initiative the Banks School District would only be able to demolish, decommission, or remove Banks School District Property through the express approval of the electors through subsequent ballot initiatives allowing a demolition, decommission, or removal of individual Banks School District properties.
Why are you doing this now?
It’s taken months and over $3,000 to coordinate with the Washington County Elections Office, District Attorney Office, and a paid lawyer to craft a viable petition. If we can delay demolition with this petition, an application to the State Historic Preservation Office is underway to designate the Banks Union High School as a National Historic Landmark. The building has already passed the first stage of this process and has been deemed historically significant.
Who can sign the petition?
Registered voters aged 18+ who live within the Banks School District can sign this petition.
Where and when can I sign the petition?
Sign the petition at Cop's Towing: 10 to 5 on December 20 & 21 and December 27 & 28.
What if those times don't work for me?
Request a visit by a petition circulator: text 503-985-6783 or email savebanksunionhigh@gmail.com.
Will you be one of 60 people to collect 10 signatures from neighbors?
Join the Petition Drive
How many signatures are needed?
We need 600 valid signatures on this petition by January 1, 2026 to allow a school-district-wide vote on the demolition of school property — a property that we fund as taxpayers. This petition has been carefully crafted with the input of an attorney to ensure it will be approved by the Washington County Elections Office.
How can I help get the word out?
- Share this webpage via text or on your social media.
- Canvass your street for petition signatures.
- Host petition sheets at your local business.
How can I help gather signatures?
- Pick up petition sheets and instructions at Cop's Towing between 10 AM and 5 PM on December 13 & 14 and December 20 & 21, or arrange to pick up in Jim's parking lot by texting 503-985-6783.
- Use the script we provide to feel confident in what you communicate.
- Talk to your neighbors. Any petition sheets with less than the full ten signatures still count. Even if you only get four signatures, your contribution is essential for a successful petition drive!
- Drop off petition sheets at Cop's Towing between 10 AM and 5 PM on December 13 & 14 and December 20 & 21, or arrange to drop off in Jim's parking lot by texting 503-985-6783.